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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I received this kit in the beginning of October to test out. Yes, by received I mean they gave it to me. Still reading? Or are you so jealous you are smashing your fits on the desk. Still here? Great. Don't worry, my Dad feels the same way. He tries to work into every conversation I have with him that I should give it to him to test out . . . because like, he gave me life and stuff. Whatever, we're talking DeWalt here. No dice. Though I admit, it took me a little time to figure out how to put this puppy to the test. I mean, what does a homeowner really need to use an impact driver for? I was wrong, there are lots of stuff.

The first test was trying to take the disgusting blind out of the kitchen window. I couldn't get the screw out with a regular screw driver (too tight) and the angle was too much for my cordless drill. I knew now I could finally use the impact driver. New tool kits are like Christmas morning and I ripped it open as such. From the beginning, I have to say the tools and accessories are packed really nicely. The cases are built tough and unlike the other drill and accessories I had, the cases do not have a snap closure, they either slide to lock or use a latch system.

Along with the kit, I received the Impact Ready accessories. What I was most excited about was the magnetic pivot bit holder. So I set the pieces together to tackle the old blind. It worked effortlessly and the driver has a small flashlight at the end so it illuminates what you are working on. I don't know about you, but guessing on where the screw is, it a huge annoyance. I didn't notice the light before, but when it started working, it was a great feature.

My next turn with the impact driver was removing and adding baseboards (more on that later). The studs in the house are metal, and the baseboards were screwed into the studs. Impact driver to the rescue! Like waving a magic wand, it made short work of the tough screws. The impact ready accessories are also built for, well, impact. The drill bits are apparently 5x stronger than a standard bit.

Next up, figuring out how I can use those hole saws. You know you like something when you make up projects to use it with.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

I love shopping. I love shopping for my house more. Now, I've done the whole wake up at 3am and run out to the stores on Black Friday thing. It's nuts. There is the constant feeling of impending doom (like, from being trampled), and you're so tired and cranky by the end the whole day is ruined.

This year, I am after a certain item. The wreaths from Lowe's. They are having the 23" wreaths marked down to $7.97! Which means, I can fulfill my dream of a wreath in every front window and the door (six in all) for under $50! I know. . . i dream big.

They also have Christmas trees for under $20. Here, I face a dilemma. I love me a Christmas tree, don't get me wrong. But, there is something about this beautiful tree that has grown for so many years (sometimes decades!) that is chopped down and then thrown out a few weeks later. Am I alone in this? The trees are farmed, and really what's the real difference in having a Christmas tree and eating broccoli (that was alive too). So, I'm on the fence.

Monday, November 16, 2009

It just so happened Sherwin Williams contacted me about reviewing Purdy products a week or so before we were to paint the kitchen. They even agreed to sweeten the deal by throwing in a pack for my beloved readers!

What can I say about the Purdy brush and roller? While I'm not a painting tools connoisseur, they seems A-OK to me. Easy to use, and easy to clean. What more can you ask for? Oh, one of your own to try? Sure thing! Just leave a comment by Wednesday November 18th, at 5pm EST with the words "Make me Purdy". I'll choose a winner using random.org and announce it on the morning of Thursday November 19th. Good Luck!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I just came back from a work conference in Boston (which explains the lack of posts), and one evening I strolled Newbury street stopping in the fabulous shops along the way. I stumbled across Jonathan Adler's shop (he has a shop? Oh yes hunny, he does). Most of it was way too modern for my house, and it was all way too expensive, but I loved every minute of being in that store.

My favorite item was the bronze place card holders. In the store (as online) the held cards with the names of Brangelina's kids. It made me giggle and loved them even more for it. Alas, their price of $28 smackaroos a piece made them stay in the store.

When I got back home to DC Rowhouse, a pile of Holiday catalogues awaited me. I spotted something familiar:

It seems West Elm has taken a liking to the bronze modern animals as well. These bookends run $26 bucks a piece. Of course, I want them all but I'm not quite sure DC Rowhouse is the right habitat...

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

We made it to Souk this weekend. . . well, twice. The first attempt was on Friday and my hunger pains and the huge line made us head to the Argonaut instead for a burger. On Saturday, we made it in. I have to say, with the small space they have, the folks at Souk really made it shine. The colorful walls and tile really add a lot to the space and the overall simple and clean decor make it a welcoming place. At this point, I am into any renovation, and this little commercial rowhouse was done very well.

Now, the food. The deal here is that you order at the counter, and you take a number to your table. When the food is ready, they bring it to you at your table. You help yourself to the silverware and glasses, but they clear your table for you. Real plates, and real silverware were a welcome sight. I always think about all the trash when places use disposable dinnerware.

Sidetrack: have you see the show "18 and counting..." with the Duggars? They have 18 kids and they use paper plates and utensils at every meal! Yikes!

I was pleasantly surprised they delivered the order in the appropriate courses. Hummus came out first, followed by the Lebanese salad, then the chicken shawarma and lamb chops. The hummus was delicious, the salad was great (though I assume the beets were from a can - but seriously, who cares they have a tiny tiny kitchen), and the entrees were good (though a little overdone and came with different sides than advertised). All in all, it was their first week, they did fantastic! One of the women working there came over after we had finished to ask if everything went well - that's always a nice touch. Oh, and the prices are great! Where in the city can you get an salad (enough for two people) with arugula, beets, pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds for $6? Nowhere.

We decided after our meal we will probably be eating there twice a week. Unless the line is too long, I expect this place to do a killing!

Alright, so Benny is not my real name. It's my nickname. In fact...I am a lady (by gender, not necessarily by attitude). But, it is fun, and makes me feel "tougher" when talking about painting and tiling and smashing things.
I didn't give it to myself. It is a childhood nickname which came from Benjamin Bunny (the cousin of Peter Rabbit).
In fact, Benny is a common nickname for Bernadette. Ever see Circle of Friends with Minnie Driver? Yup, her name was Benny in that.
Anyway. . .
You can e-mail me at:
dcrowhouse@gmail.com